GSK PLC on Tuesday said its Arexvy treatment was effective in treating patients suffering from a deadly respiratory virus with underlying medical conditions, paving the way for increased protection.

The London-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology company hailed positive results from phase 3 trials evaluating the efficacy of a single dose of Arexvy against lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus in adults aged 60 years and older.

RSV is a contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages with 64 million people impacted each year across the world. Patients who are older or have compromised immune systems are more likely to be at greater risk and the virus can exacerbate many pre-existing conditions.

Each year RSV causes over 465,000 hospitalisations and 33,000 deaths in adults over 60 in high-income countries

Arexvy is the world’s first approved RSV vaccine and results showed that after a single dose, cumulative efficacy over three full RSV seasons was clinically meaningful.

‘These results include efficacy against different RSV subtypes, in adults with advancing age (70-79 years of age), and those with certain underlying medical conditions. Since RSV can exacerbate medical conditions and potentially lead to hospitalisations, cumulative efficacy over three RSV seasons has the potential for significant health impact. It has the potential to offer health care professionals flexibility to administer the vaccine year-round. Over time, revaccination is expected to be required to maintain an optimal level of protection,’ GSK explained.

GSK shares were down 1.5% at 1,458.50 pence each in London on Tuesday afternoon.

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